Shufly
 | Da Nang Flight Line September 1962
Aerial view of Marine helicopter flight line at Da Nang
shortly after SHUFLY's relocation to I Corps in September 1962. (Official
USMC Photo).
Source: U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Advisory & Combat Assistance
Era, 1954-1964
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-28 |  | THE 5 "P" GIRL
A familiar sight to SHUFLY Marines as they shuttled between their barracks area and flight line was the young Vietnamese woman tending her water buffalo in a field just outside the Marine compound waving and holding up her hand with fingers spread. Known as the 5 "p" girl, it was rumored that if you stopped and gave her five piasters, she would lift her blouse and allow you to photograph her more than ample breasts. Summer, 1963.
Submitted by:David Hugel Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Comment by: Carl (Moon) Mullen on Jul 17, 2010 10:11 AM
The 5 P girl was a fact and field she was standing in was behind the Sgt's Barracks in 1964 during my tour there with HMM-364. It was fun for awhile until we ruined everything.. She was finally able to buy a bra from the money she got so the tit shots came to an end.
C.R. (Moon) Mullen
MGySgt USMC (Ret)
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-17 |  | unit formation (6Jun62
Another view of unit formation (6Jun62) - maybe someone will recognize a familiar face Early SHUFLY Photos 1962 Submitted by:Barry F. MacDonnell Cpl., USMC, 2Jul58-5May63
Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2010-06-28 |  | USMC Compound Da Nang
the living quarters we moved into in late September 1962, when we came up form Soc Trang. Joe D'Arcangelo HMM163 Shu-Fly
Same compound I was in in 1964/65 With HMM365 Paul Maynard GySgt USMC Ret
This appears to be the same compound that I was billeted in 1968-69. I was there with the Marine Wing Headquarters Group 1, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron 1 (MWHG-1, H&HS-1, 1st MAW). To the top of the picture (west side) was Highway 1 (or was it 101?) and across the road was "the Ville" also known as Dogpatch. Dogpatch was also along the left hand side fence (south). On the right side off picture (north) was a parade ground with a flagpole and big old artillery piece. The Commanding General's house and mess were located in this compound (off picture) and one of the most prominent features was a huge water tower with a blinking red light on it at night. I often thought that that red light would make a good aiming point for Charlie's rockets, and we did frequently get rockets in and around the compound. The barracks were old French Foreign Legion barracks, and the story was that the Viet Minh had snuck in there during the night and went through and slit every other man's throat. I'm not sure it that's true or not, but you could imagine the pyschological affect on the survivors if it was a true story. My hootch was the 2nd one from the left in the upper left hand corner of the picture. I am nearly 100% sure this is the same compound where I was stationed in Da Nang, RVN. This compound would have located on the west side of the Airbase, along the perimeter fence. The base dump was less than a 1000 meters to the south, and when it caught fire in April of 1969, the blasts severely damaged our buildings. We had to go out and sit in the fighting holes for about 18 hours as the light fixtures were knocked out of the ceilings and roofs and siding were being wrecked on the metal buildings. The tan stucco buildings with the red tile roofs came through it in pretty good shape. I would be interested in hearing from anyone else who's hearing was damaged by the dump explosions. William (Bill) Wynne Corporal, USMC 1967-1970
Just wanted to drop you a note I found a photo at this weblink: http://www.popasmoke.com/visions/image.php?source=3715 that appears to have been posted by you from when you were in Nam. I was with this same unit (Headquarters Squadron 1st MAW) on this compound from Aug 68 to May 69. I remember the dump blowing up and other things you describe in your photo commentary very vividly. I worked in the communications center as a teletype operator after finishing up my first 30 days with tango security. Seems like my hooch was near the water tower you described. It was located off the photo to the extreme right end (north ??) of the compound up against the fence. I think there was an ARVN compound next to ours too. Just wanted to drop a note and thank you for posting your pic. Sure brings back a lot of memories. Feel free to write anytime. If you know how to contact William Wynne I'd like to email him too. Thanks . . . Semper Fi Ron Beaman 817-232-5741 Ft. Worth, TX DaNang RVN Aug68-May69
The buildings at the lower end were warehouses and such. I believe by the time I arrived (Aug 68) the center area at the bottom had 2 all metal Butler Buildings erected and I worked in one with the weapons and another was the "Case Lots building where all the beer and soda came from.. One of the buildings on the left side, (about 3 down from top left corner was the "Sgt's Club". We had lost of Sgts there. The vacant on the corner near the top left inside the old French buildings is where the "Animal Pit" was built. They served E-4s and below 3.2 beer there. Can I get a copy of this? Oh, I think the building at the top right (with the open door) was the H& HS office, but it may have been the one to the right as well. The larger building in the lower center were the Wing Headquarters, CGs quarters, and Officer's Quarters. On Dec 23rd of 68 a 122mm rocket killed a LtCol taking a shower in the large building and another struck a small storage building where a friend of mine Sgt Gary Fain was sleeping along with another guy and Gary was killed. The other guy (can't recall name) was a SSgt who had over 20 pieces of shrapnel hit him, lived, and returned to duty a few weeks later. At the very top left corner in 68 there was a sandbag tower where we could toss a few MPC attached to a rock over the fence and a mamasan would toss a bottle of homebrew whiskey back. USMC Sgts (E-5) and below could not buy hard liquor there so we used mamasan or sometimes sent our Corpsman to the PX on Hill 327 (Freedom Hill) to buy some "medical supplies" Those were crazy days. By the time I got there the red tile roofs were mostly in pieces on the ground around each building and had been replaced with corrugated steel since it did not produce as much debris when hit by rockets or mortars. I retired in 1986 as a MSGT. Bill McCormack Practitioner Faculty University of Phoenix Online Email: wmccormack@uophx.edu Alternate email: bmccormack1@yahoo.com
I was also there when the ammo dump went up. I have ringing in my ears and they tested and found lose. They attributed that to loud noise but I never associated it with the dump or the airfield.. Let me know if anyone got that from the dump. I worked the galley there. i'll answer anyone interested about that area as i rmemeber. bob parks ....reparks@cs.com
I was stationed here from July 65 to 2/66 with MWHG 1. We were cramped for room and had to live in tents in the middle of the compound until the units housed in them were moved. I lived in the second building in from the top right (right across from Dogpatch). At the center top was the enlisted head and the small building directly across from it was for staff NCOs and officers. Due to a limited water supply, the staff and officers got to shower every night but sergeants and below only got showers every few days. Another sergeant (Bob Russ) and I started wearing our towels to the staff/officers head and with an air of confidence, just went in and showered. It worked for about two weeks when we were noticed by a staff NCO in our unit. Fortunately he saw the humor in it and never reported us. I eventually got to work in a newly constructed fiberglass bubble that sat in the compound next to the TAC Center, an oblong fiberglass bubble. Both buildings were surrounded by 8 foot sandbag walls and air conditioned. Even the CG only had a ceiling fan. Someone got the word I was living the good life and I was transferred to Ky Ha in March 66 where I served in MABS 36 Operations. I finally made staff but there was a better water supply at Ky Ha so shower privileges didn’t apply. Great site! Semper Fi. David Goyette SSgt USMC, RVN 1965 - 1966 // David E. Goyette [dearlis@comcast.net]
Wow, the comments from the other Marine vets from MWHG-1, H&HS-1, 1st MAW, or the other units stationed in the old French barracks are bringing back memories. and Semper Fi to Joe D'Arcangelo, Ron Beaman (my email address is cmqh@centurytel.net, alternate is bwynne@aol.com), Bob Parks, Gunny Paul Maynard, MSgt. Bill McCormack, and SSgt. David Goyette, and last, but not least George Curtis. In each case, things are just as they described. I have a memory loss as to whether the red tile roofs were actually still there or whether they had been replaced by metal roofs when I was there. The description of the Butler buildings was right on, and Bill McCormick was probably the one who made me give up my M14 and take an M16 (made by Mattel, it's swell). Actually, I think my "M16" said "XM15" on the side of the magazine well. I am sure it was an early because it didn't have the chrome plated bore. My bore would rust every night, and I had to clean it every day religiously. I lived in fear that someone would pull a surprise rifle inspection. I don't think there was any rifling left in the bore. I worked at the warehouse next to the armory (the beer and soda warehouse which supplied all of the 1st Marine Air Wing clubs) and our Butler building was badly damaged by the dump explosion. The SeaBee's had to come in and repair it when they got the higher priority stuff done. The south end doors got blown into the building and the north end doors got blown out by the concussions. The roof and west side of the building were all dented in too. David Goyette's story about the shower reminded me of the night I was walking from my hootch, second from left in the upper left hand corner, to the head to take a shower. I was wearing nothing but a towel and a smile. As I walked across the opening between the first and second building (or maybe the second and third building) from the head, automatic rifle rounds went zipping by me, between the buildings. I ducked behind the nearest building until everyone fell out of the barracks in their helmets and flak jackets and weapons, then I flip-flopped my way back to my hootch and got dressed and went out to my fighting hole between the barracks and the highway. I spotted a Vietnamese head sticking up above a garbage can or water barrel across the highway and passed the word up the line. The Lieutenant ordered us to hold our fire. That Vietnamese must have had 40 rifles pointed at his nose. We ended up sitting out there for most of the night. I was also in Tango Security for a while, and the next day, we went out on patrol in "The Ville" across the highway to see what we could find. I never did learn whether it was "friendly fire" or if they were actually at me. Another time, I was walking guard out beyond the helicopter pad, up and down between the towers on the perimeter past the cesspool. The honeydumper trucks would come in and dump in the cesspool, and needless to say, it didn't smell that good. I was trudging up and down on what I recall as a six hour tour of guard duty, when I heard a whooshing over my head. I stopped and looked up, and then heard an explosion over near the runway. Then there was a second and third explosion, working their way south down the runway. I thought, A ROCKET ATTACK!!!, and then thought, well, now I can get in a fighting hole and sit down and take a break. I was waiting for the loudspeaker to blare "ROCKETS, ROCKETS, ROCKETS, ALL PERSONEL TAKE COVER". I went ahead and climbed into a fighting hole and sat down on a sand bag about the time the fourth rocket hit. This one was more to my front, to the right of the third one, the runway was to my left as I was facing south. The fifth one was between where the fourth one hit and ME!!! I said "Oh S**T" and ducked my head down between my knees. The sixth rocket went over my head and hit between me and the cesspool, about 25 yards away to my left. Just about then the loudspeaker finally kicked in and made his annoucement. After about five minutes, they sounded the all clear, and I had to get up and start walking my post again. I think I have a photo of the BOQ building that got severely damaged by shrapnel from the fifth rocket, mentioned by Bill McCormack, or maybe the one mentioned by Ron Beaman for Photo 292. I went back the next day in the daylight to take pictures of the damage and I may have a photo of the grave size crater left near the cesspool. I was told that they were Soviet made 122 mm rockets. I bought a small, cheap 35mm at the PX mentioned by Bill McCormack in his comment about Photo 292 and took a lot of pictures while I was there. When we rotated back to the states we could ship up to 200 lbs. as I recall on our orders. The procedure was to take your stuff to a shipping point where it was inspected and then you packed it in a wooden crate to be shipped home. They wouldn't let you ship any "contraband" including pictures of or wounded. So, someone "inspected" every picture you were shipping home. I had packed my photos, probably 10 or 12 rolls of film worth in my crate. When I got home, while on leave I received a call that I had to go to a freight company office to pick up a crate. I went down there to get it, and it was my crate from Vietnam. There was a boot toe shaped hole punched in one end. When I got the crate home and opened it, the only thing I could figure out that was missing was my photographs. So, I confess, I've been looking for some of them on here. If "anyone" has them, I'd sure like to get a copy of them if possible, no questions asked. Most of them would be meaningless to most people. They are mostly pictures of the countryside, pagodas, aircraft, etc. nothing special really. The only photos that I actually got home with were from an early roll that I had mailed home, and from the film that was in the camera when I brought it back to the states. Photos #4309 and 4379 appear to be photos of our same buildings. Bill Wynne, cmqh@centurytel.net // Bill [cmqh@centurytel.net]
Comment by: JAMES KAZIK on Mar 2, 2006 04:24 PM
I was at the same base H&HS-1 MWHG-1 1st MAW in Da Nang. I was there in 1967 to 1968 during TET. When I was there a driver and Lt. were killed when they hit a land mine going off base. And one of my Sgts. shot himself because his wife sent him a “Dear John” letter right after he re-upped. I need help if any body was there when I was and know of any of this or anything please send me an e-mail telling me what you had to go through at that time. Thank you for your help. If James Applegate reads this, Jim get in touch with me. To all my Marine Brothers who were there with me God Bless.
Comment by: john jennings on Apr 21, 2006 10:29 PM
Great photo. I was a combat and battalion photographer Army there for Freedom Hill Ammo dump explosion. Do I know you?My photo lab was at the 212th about 3 buildings down from the supply building, Don Lentz was supply seargent.
Comment by: TERRY RANDALL on Aug 24, 2006 06:36 AM
I just posted and reread the story andAnd read the post by MSGT Bill McCORMACK. Where he said thet the SSGT was sleeping in the storage building with SGT Gary Fain is incorect. He was in his room in the back of the CG'S MESSHAUL. There were only about 4 feet between his wall and the wall of the storage building. I can't remember his name but he was the ncoic of the messhall and he was from North Carolina. I was the bartender at the mess hall and Gary Fain was my closest friend. If there are any marines that were serving in the CG'S MESS HALL between DEC 67 andSept 69 please email me or post on this sight. I have lost contact with everyone. THANKS. CPL TERRY RANDALL-txholdem@alltel.net Please post or email me at above address.
Comment by: thomas john lipton (sgt) on Aug 30, 2007 08:43 PM
just like yesterday. was resident of this fine facility 1969-1970. thanks for the memories.
Comment by: Bob C. Jeske on Sep 3, 2009 10:27 PM
Great photo! I spent my tour here also. Jan 69-Feb-70. Was there when the ammo dump went up in April 69 due to a grass fire. We all spent the night in the foxholes along the perimeter. I sure do remember the many nights of sirens followed by the rockets. Also, the occasional shows in the enlisted club. Drank a lot of beer in that club. My barracks was in the row along the top of the photo, 2nd one on the right side of the smaller building in the center (4th from the right at top). If I remember correctly, that smaller building in the center/top was the latrine/shower. When I arrived, I took a Sgt. Hernandez\'s job in MWHG-1, H&HS-1 and here\'s some people I served with: Gunny Brockway, Gary Allen, Greg Gonyou, Larry LaLonde, Bob Fuller, Gary Nester to name a few. Wow, 40 years ago. Sure like to see it now.
Semper Fi, Bob Jeske, Cpl. USMC
Posted by Admin on 2010-06-17 |  | Vietnamese market area in Da Nang. Summer, 1963
Vietnamese market area in Da Nang. Summer, 1963
Submitted by:David Hugel Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2010-05-06 |  | "CMC Tours SHUFLY"
"CMC Tours SHUFLY"
Lt Col Earl W. Cassidy, right, MABS-16 Sub Unit # 2 C.O., shares a lighter moment with Gen. Wallace M. Greene, Jr. during the Commandant's tour of SHUFLY.
Submitted by: David H. Hugel
Photo by: David H. Hugel
Posted by Admin on 2010-05-06 |  | SHUFLY Chaplain
SHUFLY Chaplain Lt. Herman Wendler, USN read a prayer over the P.A. system at the close of each day. Da Nang, RVN- Fall, 1963
Submitted by: David H. Hugel
Photo by: David H. Hugel
Posted by Cpl. Beddoe on 2010-05-06 |  | April, 1962
40 years ago, in April of ’62, Lt. Col Archie Clapp brought HMR(L)-362 to Soc Trang, RVN. This was the first tactical USMC unit to operate in Vietnam. Their mission was to provide mobility to the ARVNs and PFs in their battle against the VC. Much of the doctrine for using helicopters in combat, particularly guerilla warfare was developed during this 1962-65 period.
Posted by HMM-362 History Project on 2010-04-24 |  | Cpl. Barry MacDonnell receives Meritorius Mast
Cpl. Barry MacDonnell receives Meritorius Mast at unit formation (6Jun62, Sub-Unit #2, MABS-16) Early SHUFLY Photos 1962 Submitted by:Barry F. MacDonnell Cpl., USMC, 2Jul58-5May63
Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2010-04-02 |  | A Beautiful UH-34D
This picture was taken by Faustin Wirkus sometime in August 1962 over the Mekong Delta (Operation Shufly) at sunrise, and was sent to me by Joe D"Arcangelo.
Comment by: Mike Layman on Aug 15, 2006 12:53 AM
This picture was used on Cristmas cards sold in Danang in 1964-I bought some to use that year aand made a large copy for my office wall.
Comment by: Eric Coady on Nov 12, 2006 08:01 PM
This photo was taken by 1st Lt. Faustin Wirkus in August 1962 while flying out of Soc Trang RVN. The helo is one of HMM-163's, the second Marine Corps Squadron in RVN, and part of "ShuFly". The squadron moved north to Da Nang in September 1962 and operated in the entire I-Corps area.
Comment by: Gerd R. Naydock on Jul 31, 2007 06:53 PM
1st Lt Faustin Wirkus eventually became Lt. Col Faustin Wirkus and was my Commanding Officer at Marine Corps Air Station, New River, Jacksonville NC in the late 70s - early 80s. He was a very fine gentleman and his father by the same name was a sergeant in the Marine Corps in the 20s and went on to become a \"King\". Colonel Wirkus went on to fly Boeing CH-46 Sea Knights when he wasn\'t flying his desk. I believe he eventually retired from the USMC to live in Hawaii with his lovely wife, Debbie. This photograph serves as a fine tribute to \"Fausty\". Semper Fi!!!
Comment by: MARIAN PAYNE DICKSON on Dec 6, 2009 05:06 PM
WHILE SURFING THE WEB FOUND MY OLD BOSS'S NAME. AT THE TIME HE WAS PERSONNEL OFFICER AT MCAS(H) NEW RIVER, N.C. AND I WORKED FOR HIM AS A CIVIL SERVICE WORKER, ISSUING TDY AND PCS ORDERS. HE WAS A MAJOR AT THE TIME AND AS A BOSS WAS NUMBER ONE. HIS WIFE WAS FROM HAWAII AND HE RETIRED AND MOVED THERE WITH HIS FAMILY. GREAT PICTURE BY THE WAY.
Comment by: Moniq on Jan 29, 2010 01:52 PM
Welcome
I search ancestor who is mentioned on this internet part / web side...
Colonel Faustin Wirkus was been son Sergeant Faustyn Wirkus vel King of Gonava on Haiti.
I write from Poland
I am family, search roots, ancestor root ...
Futher Colonel Faustin Wirkus , Sergeant Faustyn Wirkus was been brother my grand- grandmother...from Poland
Grand-grandmother was born in Poland...
I search contact Colonel
Help me...
andaluzja0@op.pl
Witam
Poszukuje przodka ktory wymieniony jest na tej stronie internetowej
Pulkownik Faustin Wirkus syn sierzanta Faustyna Wirkusa Krola Gonavy
Pisze z Polski
Jestem rodzin± ktora szuka korzeni, korzeni przodka Faustyna Wirkusa.
Ojciec pulkownika Faustina Wirkusa , sierzant Faustyn Wirkus byl bratem mojej prababci z Polski
Szukam kontaktu do Pulkownika
Pomozcie mi
andaluzja0@op.pl
Posted by Roger Herman on 2010-03-11 |  | Abandoned French Colonial mansion
Abandoned French Colonial mansion that housed about 10 US Army advisors and 4 USMC radio relay operators/technicians; note the rooftop USMC radio relay antennas; location is (probably) in Tra Vinh, about 35 miles NE of Soc Trang airfield Early SHUFLY Photos 1962 Submitted by:Barry F. MacDonnell Cpl., USMC, 2Jul58-5May63 Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Dear Sir, This picture is in Tra Vinh Province. My elementary school is located on the right of the picture. Across the street in front of the mansion is ARVN headquarter. longindy@yahoo.com
Posted by Admin on 2010-02-10 |  | "Dog Patch"
A collection of local shops catering to Marines, located across highway #1, just beyond the protective barbed perimeter of SHUFLY"s barracks compound.
Submitted by:David Hugel Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2010-02-10 |  | HMM-163 SHUFLY 1962
HMM-163 Squadron Photo 1962 SHUFLY
Comment by: James Mansfield on Dec 4, 2007 05:34 PM
Does anyone have the names? I have our original orders, just hard to put the names to faces.
Comment by: Roland Frech on Aug 23, 2009 07:20 PM
Need names to this photo, will be able to provide most. I am the one standing 3rd from left. Loseth is the one left of Col. Rathbun etc etc. center standing Carl Davenpor then my all time favorite Vic Sooto. S/F, R.Frech
Posted by Admin on 2010-02-05 | | HMM-163 SHUFLY 1962
HMM-163 Squadron Photo 1962 SHUFLY
Comment by: James Mansfield on Dec 4, 2007 05:34 PM
Does anyone have the names? I have our original orders, just hard to put the names to faces.
Comment by: Roland Frech on Aug 23, 2009 07:20 PM
Need names to this photo, will be able to provide most. I am the one standing 3rd from left. Loseth is the one left of Col. Rathbun etc etc. center standing Carl Davenpor then my all time favorite Vic Sooto. S/F, R.Frech
Posted by Admin on 2010-02-05 |  | Me with 45 cal grease gun
Me with 45 cal grease gun used by gunners when we first arrived in country, later replaced by the AR-15 SHUFLY Photos from George DeBarge Submitted by:George DeBarge - 20010131 Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Loved the grease gun although you had to walk it into a target ddo to the drop it had. I was in HMM-163 in '62 and we had crap for original use, all OLD WW II. The first ar-15's I recall seeing were captured NVA in the cases. Pieces and unreliable. We got M-14's and M-60'
to replace our junk. I was originally handed an M-1 with a four digit serial number and smooth bore with only a hint of where the lands and groves had been. The M-14's were rugged, dependable, not suseptable to a little dirt or mud, and best of all deadly at 600 yards or better.
// J I Mansfield [jimansfield@netscape.net]
Posted by Admin on 2009-10-05 |  | USO SHOW
A visiting USO show, sang and danced to a packed and appreciative audience of SHUFLY Marines and guests from other nearby U.S. bases. August, 1963
Submitted by:David Hugel Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2009-09-11 |  | SHUFLY PHOTOGRAPHER
Cpl. Charles P. Tuthill, NCOIC of the SHUFLY photo lab. Summer, 1963.
Submitted by:David Hugel Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2009-09-11 |  | The Boss, 40 years ago.
Nice picture of Archie Clapp, CO of HMM-362 in the office getting ready to go to work. Air strip is at Soc Trang. This photo by Dickey Chapelle , National Geographic, Vol 122, No. 5, November 1962.
Posted by HMM-362 History Project on 2009-05-26 |  | H-34Helicopter in flight
Nice photo of aircraft in flight. Where in Viet Nam I don't know. Maybe some can ID the terrain. 1963 is the time.
From: Ed , Date: Dec 29, 2005 9:44 PM
My guess is Hai Van Pass area (between Danang and Phu Bai). Ed Gartland, GySgt/ret, 1st Radio Bn, Pleiku, Danang, Co L, Marine Support Bn, Phu Bai
Posted by Mike Lindh on 2008-11-10 |  | HMM-162 Flight Line in Da Nang March 1963
The H-34 "DOGS" were ready!!
Posted by Stan Manship on 2008-10-17 |  | Between WWII and Soc Trang
Starting out as a fixed wing pilot in WW II, Archie Clapp became one of the early Marine Helo drivers. Here he is climbing in as pilot for UN Peace Delegates during the Korean Conflict. The man has been around
Posted by HMM-362 History Project on 2008-03-30 |  | First photo of armed Americans in Vietnam
Another photo by Dickey Chapelle , National Geographic, Vol 122, No. 5, November 1962. This one is particularly interesting because it was the first published evidence that Marines were conducting operations involving weapons in Vietnam. DOD attempted to kill the photo. The crew chief is identified as Nelson West, the weapon as the .45 cal. M-3A “grease gun.”
Comment by: Bunnie McCosar on Jan 9, 2008 03:40 PM
The crewchief in this picture is that of GySgt Mitchell J. Wells, a very good section chief in the squadron. I have not listing for a Nelson West being in the squadron at this time period.
Comment by: Bunnie mccosar on Jan 16, 2008 08:01 PM
additional comment: lessons learned that affected following H-34s and later model helicopters: - crew members WILL put holes through rotor blades (several times to us!) and they WILL put holes through the right, main tire!( more than several times!)- requires a gun-mount that restricts up and down movement to prevent shooting up the aircraft. Next: Th "dinky" little step by the cabin door was replaced by several steps and wider across the doorway to help the small ARVNS get into the aircraft, loaded down with their gear. Also, when we hauled VIPS and the press around, it made it easier for them to get in and out of the aircraft without the crew-chief having to get out and help them out the door.
Posted by HMM-362 History Project on 2008-02-15 |  | Soc Trang airfield - late April 1962
Soc Trang airfield - late April 1962, security perimeter in distance (possible USMC and/or ARVN) Early SHUFLY Photos 1962 Submitted by:Barry F. MacDonnell Cpl., USMC, 2Jul58-5May63
Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Comment by: Bunnie mccosar on Jan 10, 2008 09:48 PM
Our security perimeter was handled by a company of ARVN during out stay there. The squadron didn't have enough Marines to allow to send out on security.
Comment by: Ed Cipperly on Jan 24, 2008 10:55 AM
As I recall, the tents in the background were ARVN. We had no positions outside the barbed wire fence. the foxholes in the forground were dug by Marines. This must have been a very early picture as we laid in double constantino around the base very early on.
Posted by Admin on 2008-01-24 |  | One of the two helos used to airlift the radio relay team north from Soc Trang
One of the two helos used to airlift the radio relay team north from Soc Trang
Early SHUFLY Photos 1962 Submitted by:Barry F. MacDonnell Cpl., USMC, 2Jul58-5May63 Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Comment by: Bunnie mccosar on Jan 15, 2008 07:48 PM
This is probably my aircraft (YL-72)as my Pilots /aircraft was assigned the task of doing the external pick-up of the communications box. We had to lift up slow, to get the feel of load and slowly move forward to get some forward airspeed going and then slowly climb for altitude. We picked the large box up (I believe) a little north of Soc Trang and moved it a little further north, maybe towards Can Tho.
Posted by Admin on 2008-01-15 |  | helo and radio relay van
Closer shot of helo and radio relay van (note: one of the vans broke loose and fell to the ground in VC territory, using this method!)
Early SHUFLY Photos 1962 Submitted by:Barry F. MacDonnell Cpl., USMC, 2Jul58-5May63 Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Comment by: Bunnie mccosar on Jan 15, 2008 07:52 PM
Again, I was the crew-chief of the aircraft carrying the external load. The aircraft was YL-72. The load was a little heavy on lift out but we did it.
Posted by Admin on 2008-01-15 |  | Japanese buildings after renovation by USMC
Japanese buildings after renovation by USMC (just before USMC units relocated north to Da Nang; note the new "rec hall" under construction on the right, rumored to have been requested by the Army who was to take over the base at Soc Trang) Early SHUFLY Photos 1962 Submitted by:Barry F. MacDonnell Cpl., USMC, 2Jul58-5May63 Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Sure was! Army had to have stateside quarters, our tents would't do.
We liberated lumber from their supply to make us a few tables and benches. Hardest d..m wood I eveer tried to drive a nail in or cut.
two guys could cary two planks of the stuf//J I Mansfield [jimansfield@netscape.net]
Comment by: J I Mansfield on Dec 4, 2007 05:38 PM
Who has a photo of the nice paint job we put on the roof before we left?
Posted by Admin on 2007-12-09 |  | Col Andre Gomez, CO MAG 16 1963
"SHUFLY C.O." SHUFLY C.O. Col. Andre Gomez . Da Nang, RVN- Summer ,1963 Submitted by: David H. Hugel Photo by: David H. Hugel
Colonel Gomez was the CO of MAG 16. He frequently flew down from Okniwa to Da Nang but was not there most of the time.
Cpl David B. Wright
HMM 261
Posted by Admin on 2007-11-26 |  | The flight line (HMM-362)
The flight line (HMM-362) Early SHUFLY Photos 1962 Submitted by:Barry F. MacDonnell Cpl., USMC, 2Jul58-5May63
Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2007-11-07 |  | DIEM VISITS DA NANG
Vietnam"s President Ngo Dinh Diem is greeted by an honor guard as he arrives at the Da Nang air terminal in early August, 1963, just three months before his fall from power and assassination.
Submitted by:David Hugel Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2007-09-30 |  | SHUFLY CHRISTMAS
SHUFLY Marines host children from the Catholic orphanage in Da Nang on Christmas Day 1963
Submitted by:David Hugel
Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2007-08-09 |  | Leaving the zone
These are photos from early 1962 operations conducted by HMM-362. I think that they are from an early USMC article or the cruise book from that period. Probably submitted by Wimpy Wimmler.
Posted by User Deleted on 2007-08-09 |  | HMM-261
A UH-34 from HMM-261 on a mission to extract ARVN soldiers from a LZ in Vietnam"s "I" Corps region near Da Nang. Summer 1963.
Submitted by:David Hugel Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2007-06-30 |  | SHUFLY Photos from George DeBarge
Me with personal side arm- Blackhawk 44 magnum.
Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
SHUFLY Photos from George DeBarge
Submitted by:George DeBarge - 20010131
Posted by Admin on 2007-06-26 |  | Me and L D Jones, first and second mech of YN-10
Me and L D Jones, first and second mech of YN-10
Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
SHUFLY Photos from George DeBarge
Submitted by:George DeBarge - 20010131
Posted by Admin on 2007-05-26 |  | USO Show
Meet David Hugel on this site and shared photos with him that my now deased brother (aircraft crashed and burned, 1986) had taken while in Viet Nam. He told me that in picture #4389 of the USO show, that the young Marine with the big camera was him. I asked him if my brother Phil took a picture of him across the stage and maybe he had taken a picture of my brother in the other direction. David was kind enough to go though his collection of photos and send to me this photograph. Sorry to say that,I did not see his face in the crowd but I'd be willing to bet that is his elbow and knee behind the lovely dancer. Close but no cigar. I'd like to THANK David for taking the time out to do this for me. And I did talk to someone that was atleast in the same room then with brother Phil. I felt connected for a little while even though it was over forty years ago.
Posted by Mike Lindh on 2007-05-15 |  | February Raids, 1945
Almost 60 years ago we find Lt. Clapp preparing for the air invasion of Japan. This picture appears in the book “Corsairs and Flattops” by General John Condon. The General is the same officer who gave an older Lt. Col Clapp the orders to take HMR(L)-362 into Soc Trang 17 years later. The Marine pilots are aboard the Bennington and are planning the Tokyo raids of February, 1945. Archie is dead center in this shot. This invasion was considerably more spectacular than the landing at Soc Trang
Posted by HMM-362 History Project on 2007-04-12 |  | SHUFLY HMM-261 HELP TO ID???
In going through my extensive SHUFLY photo collection I came across the two attached shots of some staff NCOs from HMM-261 who spent one very hot day in early August clearing an LZ somewhere in the "I" Corps operational area. Our PAO guy did a story which we distributed to various Marine Corps and other military related publication like "Stars and Stripes." I"ve seen clipping indicating that several publications ran the story or at least the photos, but don"t recall ever seeing the names of the Marines in the photos. I thought if you posted the two photos some of our members might know who they were. If you have any questions, please let me know. Semper Fi, Dave Hugel
SHUFLY@aol.com
Comment by: Marty Scanlon on Feb 22, 2007 07:01 PM
The guy stranding is GySgt Frank Black, the other is SSgt Larry Spacek. Both are deceased.
Posted by Admin on 2007-02-22 |  | TREATING ARVN DEPENDANTS
Lt. Thomas Ciesla, a Navy doctor assigned to SHUFLY, treats ARVN dependants at a nearby clinic established by one of his colleagues.
Submitted by:David Hugel Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2007-01-26 |  | Dickey Chapelle and Archie"s Angels, 1962
Dickey Chapelle and some of Archie’s Angels display a communist flag captured by the troops they carried in early operations against the Viet Cong. This photo was part of an article written by Ms Chapelle for National Geographic, Vol 122, No. 5, November 1962. This article documents the first meeting of Dickey and HMM-362. The relationship ended in tragedy as an Ugly Angel helicopter piloted by Greg Lee raced her shattered body to Delta Med at Ky Ha 3 years later. She did not survive. Names of the Marines would be appreciated.
Marines in photo are from the left: R. J. Dumas, G. T. Simmons, and A. J Rohl. This from the Archie"s Angel"s cruise book.
C. K. (Sonny) Hance
sonny@afwireless.com
Posted by HMM-362 History Project on 2007-01-25 |  | Covering Early Marine Operations
SHUFLY photographer Cpl. David Hugel, in the field covering early Marine helicopter operations in support of the ARVN. "I" Corps near Da Nang, RVN- Summer, 1963
Submitted by: David H. Hugel
Photo by: LCpl Dick Dawson
Posted by Cpl. Beddoe on 2006-10-03 |  | Map showing Soc Trang, Nha Trang & Qui Nhon
SHUFLY locations in South Vietnam 1962-1965
Posted by Admin on 2006-09-07 |  | HMM-362 squadron operation, Soc Trang airfield, early 1962
HMM-362 squadron operation, Soc Trang airfield, early 1962 Early SHUFLY Photos 1962 Submitted by:Barry F. MacDonnell Cpl., USMC, 2Jul58-5May63 Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2006-08-29 |  | Soc Trang airfield - recon(?) planes being refueled
Soc Trang airfield - recon(?) planes being refueled Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
believe these aircraft are T-28's that were assigned to the Vietnamese Airforce located at the north end of the field. Enjoy the pictures R.M.Gruitch 18th AOD 11/62-11/63 / Bob Gruitch [Gruitch@comcast.net]
These are T-28s of the 1st. Air Commando Squadron at Soc Trang. Part of the USAF "Farmgate" Operation. Last T-28s at Soc Trang left there in late 1964.
Best wishes,
Bill Verebely
1st. ACS
Soc Trang 1963/64
verb@visi.net
Posted by Admin on 2006-08-26 |  | SHUFLY EM Club
B. Gen. Bowman, Asst. C.G of the 1st MAW, second from the right assists an unknown SHUFLY Marine cut the ribbon officially opening the new SHUFLY EM Club, as MABS-16 Subunit #2 C.O. Lt. Co. George Linnemier, left, and club manager, Sgt. Greenwall, right, look on. May, 1963
Submitted by:David Hugel
Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2006-08-19 |  | Welcoming New Arrivals At SHUFLY
LCpl Bill Speckels, a member of the MABS- 16 Sub Unit #2 administrative staff welcomed new SHUFLY arrivals. Da Nang, RVN- Spring, 1963
Submitted by: David H. Hugel
Photo by: David H. Hugel
Posted by Cpl. Beddoe on 2006-08-17 |  | SHUFLY BUS
Cpl. Bob Silverberg, LCpl. Chris VanSlyke, and LCpl. Bill Speckels, wait on the compound parking lot for the liberty bus to Da Nang. Summer 1963.
Submitted by:David Hugel Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2006-06-07 |  | MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY
SHUFLY Marines celebrate the Corps"188th Anniversary in traditional style by having the youngest and oldest Marine cut the cake. PFC Charles Broaddus, left, 18, joins 1st Sgt. John Leech, right, 49,in doing the honors with assistance from Operation SHUFLY commander, Col. Andre D. Gomez, as honored guests look on. Da Nang, RVN, November 10,1963
Submitted by:David Hugel Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2006-05-22 |  | Lt.Col. Archie Clapp
In April, 1962 Lt. Col. Clapp led HMM-362 into Vietnam. This was the first USMC tactical unit to operate there. Operation Shufly provided many Marine Corps H-34 squadrons the opportunity to operate in a limited warfare situation prior to the large 1995-96 buildup.
Posted by User Deleted on 2006-05-22 |  | Haircuts, courtesy of US Army advisors
Haircuts, courtesy of US Army advisors (note old servant quarters off the main house; these housed ARVN staff) Early SHUFLY Photos 1962 Submitted by:Barry F. MacDonnell Cpl., USMC, 2Jul58-5May63
Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2006-05-20 |  | A/C on resupply mission. Note bags of rice in door way
A/C on resupply mission. Note bags of rice in door way
Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
SHUFLY Photos from George DeBarge
Submitted by:George DeBarge - 20010131
Posted by Admin on 2006-05-15 |
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